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She dropped her chin in an effort not to bite off his digit.
He clicked his tongue in disapproval. “Then may I ask why you’re still in your sleeping tunic? It’s hardly covering your breasts, and you know how much I love them.”
Thessa barked up at him, “You’re unbearable.”
He shook his head. “Fine. I’ll see you at the ceremony.Whichyou should consider getting dressed for.”
“What time is it?”
“A quarter to ten.”
Disbelief tumbled through her. She'd overslept. “What? I need to get ready.” She shooed him out.
He placed a flat palm on her door. “You can at least tell me where you’re going.”
Ignoring the throb inside her chest, she told him about the work-and-board program in Mabelton. Why she gave Kellan anything—why she’d given himeverything—she wasn’t sure. She’d been as foolish as they come.
As he went to leave, she blurted, “Wait.”
He turned, arching a brow as if his prayers were about to be answered.
“Could you take my boxes to the Administration Office on your way out? There’s a space for donations.” Package delivery was the least he could do for the perpetual reminder that her heart belonged nowhere. After stuffing all her pertinent belongings into a single duffle bag last night,she’d divided the rest between two boxes, for some other orphan.
In answer, Kellan returned, stacking and scooping up her boxes. He made it look easy, but he was also the size of her door frame.
“Thank you … for taking them.” She wanted to be clear that it was the only thing she was thankful for.
“Of course. I’ll see you soon.”
Thessa scrunched her face and closed the door, recounting every horrid detail about the day she’d met him. He’d transferred during her second year—straight from the underworld as far as she was concerned. Between whispering sweet nothings in her ear, his blazing eyes, and puckered lips, he’d been too lustrous to dismiss.
Little had she known he only snared her before unleashing his poison. It was the same toxin he’d used on many females, like the several he’d bedded during their so-called relationship. But, desperate for love, or something like it, she’d always forgiven him.
It’d been two years of torture bound by lust and lies.
Shaking off Kellan’s captivation for the last time, she rushed to leave.
3
LECTURE NOTES FROM REALM RULES & METHODOLOGY:
Red cloaks are worn to respect our fallen Supremes for their Blood Sacrifice—a power so vast it dissolves the witch.
Thessa concealed her annoyance behind star-dusted lids and soot-stained lips. The lip color matched her hair and dress. She slid on pointed clogs, tossed her scarlet cloak atop her shoulders, and left her private chamber.
“This may signify the end,but a commencement represents the beginning. Much like the phases of our moon, this ceremony symbolizes the eternal cycle of impermanence and growth. I’d like to formally welcome everyone to the 177thAnnual Commencement Ceremony for Central SecondaryAcademy.” He paused, smiling as the green and gold banner unfurled behind him, the letters CSA were inked on the center.
The crowd applauded until he gestured for silence. “As chancellor, it is my pleasure to grant this achievement upon our students in front of friends, family, and faculty. We hope you’ll all join us in the courtyard for continued celebrations after the ceremony. Now I’d like to announce our guest speaker, your Celestial Supreme, Madame Morganna.”
The crowd roared as she stepped up to the stage.
Beyond the podium were rows of faculty members wearing elaborate red cloaks. The scarlet hue was worn by all witches in this realm, except the Supremes, who wore robes specific to the hue of their magic.
“Thank you, Chancellor Dulameer, the pleasure’s all mine.” When Madame Morganna stood at the podium, her presence was ethereal as ever. The sun bounced off her ivory skin and soaked into her silver hair. Her pearl-colored robes glistened as bright as her smile. Rows of silver bangles along each wrist sparkled and clinked as she waved.She was a shining moon, among a sea of blood.
Madame Morganna scanned the crowd of hundreds before silencing them with a white-tipped finger. “Two centuries ago, the Immortal Realm was forged by the Blood Sacrifices of our fallen Supremes. As we honor your path ahead, let us not forget our past. We’ll begin today by honoring those who crafted our sanctuary from the cruel, Mortal Realm.” The Celestial Supreme brought her hands into prayer. “Please join me in a moment of silent gratitude.”
The crowd of red hoods bowed like a blood-wave crashing against a moonlit shore.